Sen. Kevin Hertel

Maddy summarySB 1065 amends the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Act to create the Children Trust Michigan Board, an autonomous agency within the Department of Health and Human Services. This new board will be composed of state officials and eleven public members appointed by the governor to represent diverse community groups such as parents, labor, and religious organizations. The board is authorized to hire staff and partner with nonprofits to raise funds for preventing child abuse and neglect. Its primary function is to distribute money from a state trust fund to local councils and prevention partners that develop community programs, provided these organizations meet specific criteria like having local approval and matching funds. The bill also updates the official title of the act and clarifies definitions for terms like "child abuse" and "neglect."

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Michigan's school code to require the state department to approve specific screening and diagnostic reading assessments for use in public schools and public school academies. The legislation mandates that these approved tools must evaluate students' progress toward reading proficiency while minimizing disruption to instructional time. Additionally, the bill outlines requirements for district-identified literacy coaches to support teachers in implementing evidence-based reading instruction and addressing reading deficiencies. These changes directly affect school districts, public school academies, teachers, and students by standardizing early literacy screening and enhancing professional support for reading instruction.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Michigan teacher preparation programs to include specific instruction on dyslexia and the science of reading by September 2027. To maintain approval, these programs must teach candidates about the characteristics of dyslexia, its secondary consequences, instructional adjustments, and methods for using multi-tiered systems of support. Programs preparing educators for reading, language arts, or special education roles must also cover evidence-based interventions grounded in structured literacy. The law includes a waiver process for programs not focused on these areas, which must be reviewed every two years, and it only takes effect if a companion bill is passed.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Home Help Caregiver Council within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to oversee the state's home help caregiver program. The council will be governed by a seven-member board that includes representatives from state agencies, participants receiving care, and nonprofit organizations advocating for older adults and people with disabilities. Board members will serve four-year terms with staggered expiration dates to ensure continuity, and the council will have the authority to make recommendations regarding adequate payments and workforce supports for personal care attendants.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires health insurance policies in Michigan to cover the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders linked to streptococcal infections, commonly known as PANDAS and PANS. It mandates that insurers provide equal cost-sharing for these treatments compared to other benefits and prohibits denying coverage based on a patient's medical history or the specific name used for the diagnosis. The legislation also ensures timely authorization for urgent care, bans requirements to try symptom-only medications before approving immunomodulating therapies, and sets billing codes for these conditions. Additionally, it directs insurance appeals to follow evidence-based treatment guidelines developed by medical professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Michigan Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund within the state treasury to support disaster risk mitigation efforts. The state treasurer will manage the fund by accepting donations, directing investments, and retaining interest earnings, while the Department of Emergency Management will administer its use. Money in the fund will not be transferred to the general budget at the end of each fiscal year, ensuring resources remain available for future projects. The department is authorized to spend the fund's money annually to carry out the objectives of the Safeguarding Tomorrow Through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Act.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases death and disability benefits for Michigan public safety officers who are injured or killed while performing their duties. Starting October 1, 2024, the state will pay $50,000 to the officer's surviving spouse or dependents, or to their estate if no family members exist, whereas claims paid before that date will receive $25,000. The additional payment is intended to be given on top of any other benefits the family may already receive. The law applies retroactively to any benefit applications that were pending on or after the October 1, 2024 effective date.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Michigan's Public Health Code to update the regulations surrounding the licensure of anesthesiologist assistants. It directly affects healthcare professionals in this role and the state agencies responsible for overseeing their certification and practice standards. The legislation amends existing sections of the law and adds new ones to establish specific requirements for how these assistants are licensed and regulated. By modifying the statutory framework, the bill aims to clarify the legal status and operational guidelines for anesthesiologist assistants within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a memorial resolution honoring Nancy C. Cassis, a former Michigan legislator who served in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. It recognizes her career as a public servant and details her legislative achievements, including her work on tax policy and her receipt of various awards. The resolution formally expresses the legislature's condolences to her family and requests that copies of the document be sent to them as a tribute.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Michigan's public school employee retirement act to establish specific rules for calculating annual contribution rates. It requires that contribution rates for unfunded liabilities generally remain at least as high as the previous year's rate, with specific exceptions for university reporting units and a cap on the rate applied to payroll. Additionally, the legislation mandates that any extra contributions needed to cover unfunded liabilities must be paid through state appropriations rather than direct payroll deductions. These changes directly affect the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System and the funding mechanisms used to support public school employees' pensions.